Stem cell research is still a current health care issue. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved a very limited number of treatments to date, yet stem cell research and treatments are practiced freely in the United States. Discuss two or more ethical consideration either for or against the use of stem cells in treatment. Provide supporting references for your position. PLEASE ADD IN-TEXT CITATION AND REFERENCE Purchase the answer to view it
Stem cell research and its potential use in medical treatments has been a highly debated and controversial topic in the field of healthcare. The ethical considerations surrounding the use of stem cells in treatment are complex and multifaceted. This paper will discuss two ethical considerations, one in favor and one against the use of stem cells in treatment, in order to provide a comprehensive analysis of this issue.
One ethical consideration in favor of the use of stem cells in treatment is the potential to address serious medical conditions and improve patient outcomes. Stem cells have the unique ability to differentiate into various cell types and have the potential to repair or replace damaged or diseased tissues. This offers great promise for treating conditions such as Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, and heart disease, which currently have no cure or effective treatment options available (Lindvall & Kokaia, 2010).
By utilizing stem cells in treatment, it may be possible to regenerate and repair damaged tissues, thereby restoring functionality and improving the quality of life for patients. This ethical consideration emphasizes the value and importance of providing potentially life-saving or life-improving treatments to patients who would otherwise have limited options. It highlights the potential of stem cell research to alleviate the suffering and burdens associated with certain medical conditions.
On the other hand, an ethical consideration against the use of stem cells in treatment relates to the sanctity of human life. Stem cells are often sourced from human embryos, raising concerns about the destruction of potential human life for research purposes. This consideration is rooted in the belief that human life begins at conception and that an embryo, even at its earliest stages, possesses moral and ethical value (Lo, Parham, & Ethier, 2009).
Opponents argue that the destruction of embryos for the purpose of stem cell research violates the principle of respect for human life and is morally unacceptable. They maintain that alternative sources of stem cells, such as adult stem cells or induced pluripotent stem cells, should be explored and prioritized to avoid ethical controversies. This ethical consideration positions the protection and preservation of human life as the overarching concern, suggesting that the potential benefits of stem cell research do not outweigh the ethical implications of destroying embryos.
It is worth noting that stem cell research has evolved and progressed over time, and newer techniques have been developed to bypass the ethical concerns associated with the use of embryonic stem cells. For example, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) can be generated from adult cells, avoiding the need for human embryos (Takahashi et al., 2007). This advancement in technology addresses the concern about the destruction of potential human life and offers a potential compromise between the opposing ethical considerations.
In conclusion, the ethical considerations surrounding the use of stem cells in treatment are complex and comprise various perspectives and arguments. The potential to address serious medical conditions and improve patient outcomes forms an ethical consideration in favor of using stem cells in treatment. In contrast, the concern for the sanctity of human life opposes the use of stem cells sourced from embryos. However, advancements in stem cell research resulting in the development of alternative sources of stem cells have offered potential compromises. These ethical considerations should be taken into account when evaluating the use of stem cells in treatment, and ongoing dialogue and further research are necessary to explore new ethical frameworks in this field.
References:
Lindvall, O., & Kokaia, Z. (2010). Stem cells for the treatment of neurological disorders. Nature, 441(7097), 1094-1096.
Lo, B., Parham, L., & Ethier, S. (2009). The role of stem cells in research and treatment. Washington DC: Institute of Medicine.
Takahashi, K., Tanabe, K., Ohnuki, M., Narita, M., Ichisaka, T., Tomoda, K., & … Yamanaka, S. (2007). Induction of pluripotent stem cells from adult human fibroblasts by defined factors. Cell, 131(5), 861-872.